New Jersey plucks Larsson off Albany roster

The New Jersey Devils today have recalled defenseman Adam Larsson “under emergency conditions” from their AHL affiliate in Albany.

Larsson sat out Albany’s 3-2 shootout victory over Binghamton on Sunday afternoon. Coach Rick Kowalsky said Larsson “took a shot (Saturday), lower body, a little sore,” and with the A-Devils carrying an extra defenseman, he made the decision to rest Larsson.

Former Albany defenseman Jon Merrill has been ruled out of New Jersey’s game tonight against the Florida Panthers after getting struck in the face by a puck Saturday night. New Jersey defensemen Bryce Salvador (groin) and Anton Volchenkov (lower body) also are injured.

Larsson hasn’t played an NHL game since injuring his knee Nov. 23 in San Jose. He was assigned to Albany on Jan. 9 and has three goals and 16 assists in 32 games, ranking second among the A-Devils’ defensemen in scoring, behind Raman Hrabarenka (21 points).